A structural collapse at a major rice milling facility in Birnin Kebbi has plunged the community into mourning, with emergency crews racing against time to rescue trapped workers and determine the full extent of the tragedy.

The partial collapse of a section of the Niagri Rice Production Facility, a private rice mill located in the Bulasa area of the state capital, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. Initial reports confirmed that two workers have died and several others remain trapped or injured under debris from the wrecked machinery and structure.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Emergency responders from the Kebbi State Fire Service, Police Command, and other agencies have been on site since the accident, using heavy equipment to cut through twisted metal and collapsed machinery in an attempt to reach survivors.

The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, personally visited the mill to assess the rescue operation and coordinate ongoing security and emergency efforts. During the visit, officials confirmed that two bodies had been evacuated, while four other workers remained trapped, intensifying the urgency of the search and rescue mission.

One injured worker has been treated and discharged, according to police briefings, but the fate of those still trapped is yet to be fully determined. Authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to locate and safely extract any survivors.

Government Response and Condolences

The incident prompted swift action from the Kebbi State Government. Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida led a government delegation to the scene to oversee operations and offer support to victims’ families. The state government extended deep condolences to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI, the owners of the mill, and assured the public that every possible effort is being made to bring the rescue mission to a successful conclusion.

Officials have also promised a full investigation into the cause of the structural failure once the urgent rescue phase is complete. The collapse has raised concerns about workplace safety standards and industrial oversight within the state’s booming agricultural processing sector.

Community Impact

The rice mill in question is part of Kebbi’s broader agricultural landscape, a state long known as one of Nigeria’s major rice producers, where large mills like WACOT and Labana operate alongside smaller facilities. These mills are central to local employment and food processing, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

The tragedy comes at a time when the rice industry nationwide faces pressure from economic challenges, including rising costs, imported competition, and operational difficulties. While this incident is specific to structural collapse and emergency response, it underscores the broader importance of ensuring safe and resilient infrastructure in a sector critical to regional and national food security.

The Nigeria Police Force has halted nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy after being served with an interim court order restraining the move.

The Force had announced on December 15, 2025, that it would resume enforcing the policy from January 2, 2026, citing its duty to maintain public safety and internal security.

However, in a statement on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the police received an interim order on December 17, 2025, in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, preventing enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the lifting of the order.

“The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order,” Hundeyin said.

He added that in respect of constitutional obligations and judicial authority, “the Nigeria Police Force had entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order.”

“The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings,” he added.

The statement also quoted Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while safeguarding lives and property.

“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the statement said.

The Force assured the public that it would continue to implement lawful and intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges.

The planned enforcement had faced strong opposition, particularly from the Nigerian Bar Association, which maintains that it is illegal.

The NBA had on December 16, through its President Afam Osigwe, warned the IGP and Hundeyin against contempt of court for their insistence on proceeding with the enforcement despite existing court directives.

The NBA condemned Hundeyin’s press release, which had stated that enforcement would resume on January 2, 2026.

“The press release dated December 15, 2025, issued by Hundeyin, announcing reactivation of the suspended tinted glass permit policy with effect from 2nd January 2026, has once again confirmed the sad reality that the Nigeria Police Force, despite being the foremost law enforcement agency in Nigeria, continues to exhibit a troubling disregard for the rule of law and the due process it is constitutionally mandated to uphold,” Osigwe said.

He added that the announcement contradicted an October agreement between the NBA and the IGP, under which enforcement had been paused pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the policy.

The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, which underpins the policy, is a military-era law that “does not meet democratic and constitutional standards.”

It maintained that the policy is “unconstitutional, illegal, and extortionate,” warning that its resumption could “initiate disorder and extortion, given the Nigeria Police’s long and sordid history of extortion, bribery, harassment, intimidation, and extra-judicial killings.”

Citing court proceedings, the NBA said: “Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 came up for hearing on Friday, 12th December 2025, before Honourable Justice M. S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“During proceedings, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN), informed the court of the agreement reached between the NBA and the IGP suspending enforcement of the policy. On the strength of that representation, which the court accepted as a solemn assurance, the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction was struck out.

“It is, therefore, deeply disturbing that barely one working day after the court relied on the undertaking of the defendants’ counsel, a contradictory statement emerged from the Nigeria Police Force announcing a reactivation of enforcement. This volte-face represents a reckless overreach, a contemptuous disregard for the authority of the Court, and a serious assault on institutional integrity,” Osigwe said.

The NBA, however, said it is prepared to provide legal representation to any motorist harassed by the police over tinted glass permits.

“The NBA hereby directs all NBA branches and the NBA Human Rights Committee to immediately intervene and provide legal representation to any Nigerian who is harassed, arrested, whose movement is impeded, whose vehicle is impounded, or who is prosecuted by the Police on account of the alleged violation of this unlawful tinted glass permit policy,” the association stated.

On December 24, 2025, just as traders and shoppers were preparing for the festive celebrations, a fire broke out on the fourth floor of the GNI House, a high-rise commercial building widely used as a warehouse for clothing materials and other goods.

According to emergency response teams, the blaze spread rapidly to higher floors and adjoining sections of the building, fueled by combustible stock and inadequate fire safety measures. The intensity of the inferno weakened the structure, causing partial collapse in several areas and trapping dozens of occupants and traders who were still inside when the fire started.

Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other emergency units battled the blaze for hours, and in some cases days, to bring the situation under control, while rescue workers continued to comb through the rubble in search of survivors.

What Authorities Are Saying

Officials from the Lagos State Government have been issuing periodic updates as rescue and recovery operations unfold. The government deployed teams from multiple agencies, including LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and fire and rescue services, and stressed that operations are being conducted “in line with internationally accepted emergency response protocols.”

LASEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Usman Bature, later confirmed that the mission has transitioned from active search-and-rescue to a recovery phase after nine days, due to safety concerns and the fragile state of the building. Structural engineers are conducting assessments before a controlled demolition can take place.

Authorities have also established a 50-metre safety perimeter around the structure and urged members of the public to stay clear of the site, warning that residual fire pockets and unstable debris pose ongoing risks to responders and bystanders.

In addition, LASEMA has appealed to families and friends of missing persons to register their loved ones at a help desk set up near the site to aid in identification and trace efforts.

Prominent public figures, including former political candidates and civil society voices, have commended the swift response of government officials and emergency personnel, while also calling for strengthened fire safety standards and better planning for densely populated commercial areas like Balogun.

Number of Deaths and Injuries

The GNI House fire, which has now entered its ninth day of official operations, has claimed multiple lives, although exact numbers remain fluid as recovery continues.

• The Lagos State Government has confirmed at least 6 fatalities following the recovery of additional bodies from the collapsed structure.
• 13 people have been treated for injuries — including eight males, one of whom was a firefighter — with some admitted to hospital and others treated on site.
• Eyewitnesses and family members report that dozens more may still be trapped or unaccounted for beneath the rubble, prompting urgent appeals for ongoing search efforts and support for grieving relatives.

Aftermath and Response

The catastrophe has left the normally vibrant Balogun Market corridor in mourning. Traders have suffered massive financial losses, with goods worth millions of naira destroyed, further deepening economic hardship for market operators during a crucial trading season.

Authorities have indicated that the damaged building is set for demolition once safety conditions are established and the fire is fully extinguished. Plans are underway to clearly define how the implosion will occur without further harm to adjacent structures or emergency personnel.

As of this report, fire crews are still tackling smouldering sections of the debris, and investigations into the precise cause of the outbreak are ongoing.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the mainstream Federal Civil Service.

The approval was communicated in a letter dated December 23 and signed by Omolabake Mafe on behalf of the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the development was announced on Tuesday by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

“Mr. Oyedepo’s appointment was made in the public interest,” the letter stated.

At 42, Oyedepo will assume the role left vacant by the retirement of Mr. Abubakar Babadoko, who completes his mandatory eight-year tenure as a director on December 31, 2025.

The Presidency said Oyedepo played a pivotal role as part of the Federal Government’s legal team in the landmark Process and Industrial Developments Limited versus Federal Republic of Nigeria case, widely known as the P&ID case, which resulted in Nigeria’s decisive victory at the London High Court in October 2023.

In a judgment delivered on October 23, 2023, Justice Robin Knowles of the English High Court overturned an $11bn arbitral award that P&ID had secured against Nigeria through fraud, bribery, and perjury.

The arbitral award, initially valued at $6.6bn when issued in January 2017, had risen to more than $11bn by 2023 due to accumulated interest, an amount equivalent to almost one-third of Nigeria’s annual budget at the time.

Justice Knowles ruled that P&ID obtained the award through “severe abuses of the arbitral process,” including the bribery of Nigerian officials, the presentation of false evidence, and the improper acquisition and retention of privileged Nigerian government documents by P&ID’s lawyers.

“The awards were obtained by fraud,” Justice Knowles declared, adding that “the Arbitration was a shell that got nowhere near the truth.”

The judge also condemned the conduct of P&ID’s lawyers in handling privileged materials as “indefensible,” noting that they stood to earn “life-changing sums of money”, estimated at up to £3bn for the solicitor and as much as £850m for the King’s Counsel, had the claim succeeded.

Nigeria’s legal team, which included Oyedepo, successfully argued that enforcing the award would violate public policy, leading the High Court to refuse enforcement and ultimately nullify the entire award.

The Tinubu administration said the outcome of the case spared Nigeria from a potentially crippling financial burden that could have severely constrained government spending on education, healthcare, and infrastructure for many years.

Before his appointment, Oyedepo spent more than 15 years at the EFCC, where he specialised in prosecuting complex economic and financial crimes.

He also served as Head of the Monitoring Unit at the anti-graft agency, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most effective prosecutors of financial crimes.

In recognition of his contributions, Oyedepo was named EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year in 2014 and Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor in 2019.

His prosecutorial record includes high-profile corruption cases involving former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, former Attorney General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke, and several other public officials and corporate executives accused of economic sabotage.

Oyedepo graduated with a law degree from the University of Ilorin in 2007 and attended the Nigerian Law School in 2008, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar.

He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2022.

According to the Presidency, Oyedepo is expected to “deploy his expertise to reduce reliance on external counsel for critical prosecutions and to ensure greater coherence and consistency in the Federal Government’s legal strategies.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions serves as the chief law officer in charge of public prosecutions in Nigeria and operates directly under the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The role entails oversight of all criminal prosecutions initiated by the Federal Government, the provision of legal advice on prosecutorial matters, and the promotion of uniform application of criminal law across federal jurisdictions.

The DPP also represents the Federal Government in criminal appeals before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, coordinates with state Directors of Public Prosecution on interstate criminal matters, and advises on international criminal cooperation.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

Ruling on an oral bail application filed by the defendants’ counsel, Justice Nwite noted that granting bail at this stage would amount to an ambush, as the defence had already submitted a written bail application.

After pleading not guilty to the sixteen-count charges of alleged corruption, the defendants had their case adjourned to January 2, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.

The trio were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought a 16-count charge against Abubakar Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and their associate Hajia Bashir Asabe.

The charges include large-scale money laundering and the illegal acquisition of properties valued at over N8.7 billion.

The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, alleges that the defendants conspired to conceal, disguise, and retain proceeds from illegal activities.

The indictment claims that they used multiple bank accounts, corporate entities, and high-value real estate transactions over nearly ten years to acquire illicit funds indirectly.

The charge sheet states that the alleged offences occurred between 2015 and 2025, primarily in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General.

The EFCC alleges that Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to hide N1.014 billion in a Sterling Bank account from July 2022 to June 2025 and deposited an additional N600.01 million between September 2020 and February 2021.

The properties involved include a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, purchased for N500 million; a property on Onitsha Crescent, Garki, bought for N700 million; and another in Jabi District for N850 million.

Additional acquisitions include real estate on Rhine Street, Maitama (N430 million); in Asokoro District (N210 million and N325 million); and at Efab Estate, Gwarimpa (N120 million).

The EFCC further alleges that Malami used unlawful proceeds totaling N952 million to acquire multiple properties in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi between 2018 and 2023, using proxies and corporate entities to conceal ownership.

Hajia Bashir Asabe, described as an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, is said to have played a key role in facilitating these property deals and disguising ownership on Malami’s behalf.

The commission claims that the alleged actions violate the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The EFCC has listed several witnesses, including investigators, bank officials, bureau de change operators, and company representatives, to support its case.

World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025, an incident that claimed the lives of two people travelling with him and sparked widespread concern across the global sporting community.

The crash occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, as Joshua and members of his team were travelling in a luxury SUV. According to preliminary reports from emergency responders and road safety officials, the vehicle lost control and collided with a stationary truck. The impact of the crash was severe, leaving the car badly damaged.

Two occupants of the vehicle, widely reported to be close friends and associates of Joshua, died at the scene. Their deaths have since been confirmed by authorities, casting a sombre shadow over what would otherwise have been a festive period.

Joshua, who was seated in the vehicle at the time, survived the crash and was rescued by first responders before being transported to the hospital for medical attention. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are still ongoing, with officials examining factors such as speed, road conditions, and possible mechanical failure.

His Present State

Following the accident, Anthony Joshua was taken to a specialist medical facility where he underwent a thorough medical evaluation. Government officials and medical sources have since confirmed that the former two-time heavyweight champion is in a stable condition.

Although images and videos circulating on social media showed Joshua visibly shaken at the scene, doctors have stated that he did not sustain life-threatening injuries. He remains conscious and responsive and is being closely monitored as a precaution. At present, there is no indication that he requires emergency surgery.

Medical professionals have described his injuries as minor, though they have emphasised the importance of continued observation due to the severity of the crash. Joshua’s team has also confirmed that he is receiving adequate care and has been in contact with close family members.

Reactions From the Boxing World and Beyond

News of the accident quickly drew reactions from across the boxing community, fellow athletes, and fans worldwide. Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, offering condolences to the families of the deceased while expressing gratitude that Joshua survived the incident.

Long-time rival Tyson Fury also reacted publicly, describing the situation as heartbreaking and extending his sympathies to Joshua and the families affected. Other fighters and sports personalities echoed similar sentiments, stressing that life and health transcend sporting rivalries.

Beyond the boxing ring, fans across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and around the world flooded social media with messages of support and prayers for Joshua’s recovery. At the same time, the tragedy reignited conversations about road safety in Nigeria, with many calling attention to poor road conditions, speeding, and delayed emergency response on major highways.

Looking Ahead

While Anthony Joshua is expected to make a full physical recovery, the emotional impact of losing close companions is likely to weigh heavily on the boxer in the coming weeks. Questions have already arisen about how the incident may affect his immediate boxing plans and any prospective fights.

As investigations continue, authorities have reiterated the need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s major roads. For now, attention remains focused on Joshua’s recovery and the families mourning those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.

A loud explosion rocked the General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State, in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking panic among residents and initial fears of a security incident.

However, the Kebbi State Government has clarified that the blast was caused by a fire outbreak, not a bomb or terrorist attack as speculated on social media.

The incident occurred around midnight, affecting a building within the hospital’s staff quarters. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as occupants had safely evacuated the area before the explosion.

In a statement issued by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Media and Publicity, the government emphasized that preliminary investigations pointed to a fire as the source of the explosion.

Reports from security agencies, including experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, confirmed no involvement of explosives.

“The explosion resulted from a fire outbreak, contrary to widespread rumors of a bomb blast,” the statement read.

The government commended the swift response of the Kebbi State Police Command and other security operatives, who secured the area and restored calm.

Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, earlier confirmed the incident and assured residents that the situation was under control.

“We have full control of the security situation following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” he said. Additional tactical teams were deployed, and a thorough probe is ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the fire.

Although one building sustained damage, hospital operations have not been severely disrupted, and normalcy has returned to the community.

The Kebbi State Government reiterated its commitment to the safety of lives and property, urging residents to disregard misinformation and cooperate with authorities.

This clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, but officials stressed that this was an isolated accidental incident with no links to insurgency. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

Nigeria’s national electricity grid suffered its latest collapse on Monday, December 29, 2025, plunging large parts of the country into darkness during the festive season.

The outage occurred around 2:01 p.m., when power generation crashed sharply from over 3,600 megawatts to as low as 50 megawatts in some readings, disrupting homes, businesses, and critical services nationwide.

Distribution companies immediately confirmed the blackout and appealed for patience as recovery efforts began. By late Monday evening, gradual restoration was underway, and by Tuesday morning the Nigerian Independent System Operator confirmed that the grid had been fully stabilized.

This most recent failure has again drawn attention to the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure and capped a year marked by repeated system disturbances.

Number of times it has collapsed

The December 29 incident was the fourth major national grid collapse recorded in 2025. Earlier in the year, the grid failed on February 12, triggering widespread blackouts across multiple regions.

A second collapse followed on March 7, while a third incident in September saw generation drop to near zero nationwide.

Although this represents a reduction from the more than twelve collapses recorded in 2024, four nationwide failures in a single year still underscore persistent structural weaknesses in transmission, gas supply, and system management.

Power sector officials and analysts continue to attribute these collapses to a combination of aging infrastructure, gas shortages, vandalism, frequency management challenges, and delayed upgrades.

FG response to it

The Federal Government has responded to the recurring collapses with a mix of emergency interventions and longer-term reforms.

Following the December incident, authorities pointed to the earlier vandalism of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System on December 10, which constrained gas supply to thermal power plants and left the grid in a fragile state.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited announced that repairs to the pipeline were completed in record time, helping to restore generation capacity.

More broadly, the government has continued to promote reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, aimed at liberalizing the power market and encouraging private investment.

The Ministry of Power has emphasized faster restoration times after grid failures, while the Nigerian Independent System Operator has opened investigations into each collapse.

The administration has also highlighted initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative to upgrade transmission infrastructure, plans to validate and settle long-standing debts owed to generation companies, and proposals to decentralize power supply by encouraging states and large consumers to develop independent electricity solutions.

Critics, however, argue that slow funding, stalled execution, and ongoing gas constraints have limited the real impact of these measures.

State of power supply in Nigeria today

As of December 30, 2025, electricity supply has been fully restored across the national grid, with generation gradually ramping up to nearly 3,000 megawatts by Monday night and stabilizing further by Tuesday morning.

Distribution companies in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, and Benin resumed supply, although restoration was uneven in some areas, including parts of Port Harcourt.

Despite the recovery, Nigeria’s power situation remains fragile. Peak generation still hovers around 4,800 megawatts, far below the estimated demand of over 30,000 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million.

Intermittent supply remains common, forcing households and businesses to rely heavily on petrol and diesel generators amid high fuel costs.

Social reactions

The latest collapse sparked widespread reactions on social media, especially due to its timing during the holiday season. Many Nigerians expressed frustration, exhaustion, and anger at what they described as a recurring national embarrassment.

Others responded with sarcasm and dark humor, that grid collapses have become an expected part of the calendar.

On X, @jokotagbaposi (Ayomiposi) lamented the timing of the outage, writing, “Small holiday wey person dey enjoy. National grid don decide to collapse again. Nigeria which way self?”

Another user, @adedapo_adigun (Oba Cruise) reacted with biting sarcasm, saying, “There is only one thing that is guaranteed in Nigeria and it’s power outage. Nigerian power grid has collapsed again… it can never disappoint me.”

Calling for accountability, @saintIsaiah7 (Son of Grace) wrote, “The system is not working and nobody cares. Nigeria is deteriorating every day.”

Adding humor to the outrage, @charlexzy11 (Charles) wrote, “Dear Guinness World Records, I am writing to formally request that Nigeria be awarded a world record for the most national grid collapses.”

At the same time, many Nigerians reflected a sense of resignation, noting how dependence on generators has become a survival strategy rather than an emergency response.

What 2026 will look like

Looking ahead to 2026, energy analysts express cautious optimism mixed with skepticism. On the positive side, the full implementation of the Electricity Act is expected to attract more private investment into sub-national and decentralized power projects.

Increased domestic fuel supply, including contributions from facilities like the Dangote Refinery and the expected progress on major gas infrastructure such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline, could improve gas availability for power generation.

There is also growing interest in renewables and independent power solutions for industries, data centers, and large commercial users, which could reduce pressure on the national grid.

However, experts warn that without urgent action to address vandalism, insecurity around transmission lines, funding delays, and aging infrastructure, grid instability may persist.

While the reduction in collapses compared to 2024 offers a small measure of hope, many Nigerians remain wary.

For 2026 to mark a true turning point, reforms will need to move beyond promises and translate into visible, sustained improvements in power reliability.